What do our inter-religious conflicts teach us?,

Islam and Spiritualism

What do our inter-religious conflicts teach us?

Lessons from inter-religious conflicts

Discovering Patterns of Unity in diversity leads to Intellectual as well as Spiritual growth

SULTAN SHAHIN, Editor, New Age Islam

Another important lesson for us, Muslims in particular, is that later revelations of God do not cancel the previous ones. We cannot be Muslim unless we revere all previous prophets and all previous messages equally. The Holy Quran asks us to "stand fast by the Torah, The Gospel, and all the revelation that has come to you from Your Lord." (5:68). It is not for nothing that the Holy Quran makes this exhortation again and again in different contexts: And those who believe in that which is revealed unto thee (Mohammed) and that which was revealed before thee, have the assurance of the Hereafter.(2.04) Gabriel hath revealed (this Scripture) to thy (Mohammad's) heart by Allah's leave, confirming that which was (revealed) before it.(2.97) None of Our revelations (even a single verse) do We abrogate or cause to be forgotten, but We bring ( in place) something better or similar: (2.10) Say ye: "We believe in God, and the revelation given to us, and to Abraham, Isma'il, Isaac, Jacob, and the Tribes, and that given to Moses and Jesus, and that given to (all) prophets from their Lord. We make no distinction between any of them, and unto Him we have surrendered.(2.13)

http://newageislam.com/what-do-our-inter-religious-conflicts-teach-us?--/islam-and-spiritualism/d/1208

Ebadi protests against Iran’s polygamy bill, Islamic Sharia Laws, NewAgeIslam.com

Islamic Sharia Laws

Ebadi protests against Iran’s polygamy bill

Agence France-Presse

Tehran, August 04, 2008

Iran’s Nobel peace laureate Shirin Ebadi on Monday slammed a government bill that would ease polygamy laws for Iranian men, saying it would bring “moral corruption” to society.

The “Family Protection Bill” — due to be discussed soon in parliament — scraps the need for the consent of the first wife if her husband wants to take another spouse. “This law will bring decadence and moral corruption to society,” Ebadi warned in the opening speech of an indoor protest meeting organised by her Defenders of Human Rights Centre.

The bill requires men to provide a judicial permit for a new marriage confirming they can provide financially for the new wife and that both wives will be treated equally.

But Ebadi said that these conditions were not enough, describing the bill a “tyranny” not only against women but also against men. The law implies that “if you have become rich overnight, no matter how, you can legalise your desires,” she said. “Isn’t it an insult to men and wouldn’t it shake the foundation of family?” she asked.

http://newageislam.com/ebadi-protests-against-iran%E2%80%99s-polygamy-bill-/islamic-sharia-laws/d/430

The Friday Sermon: Colour in all creation, Islamic Ideology, NewAgeIslam.com

Islamic Ideology

The Friday Sermon: Colour in all creation

By Sayyid Qutb

Commentary by Friday 8 August 2008 (05 Sha`ban 1429)

In the Name of God, the Lord of Grace, the Ever Merciful

The passage adds readings from God’s revealed book, confirming the truth it contains and an endorsement of what had gone before it of revelations. It speaks about how this book has been granted to the Muslim community as its rightful legacy, making it clear that the heirs are of different classes, but that they all expect to receive God’s pardon and forgiveness of sins. An image of their enjoyment of God’s favours in the life to come is painted to contrast with an image of what punishment awaits the unbelievers. This round, rich in colour, is concluded by a statement that all takes place in accordance with God’s knowledge.

“Are you not aware that God sends down water from the skies, with which We bring forth fruits of different colours? In the mountains there are streaks of white and red of various shades, as well as others jet-black. Similarly, human beings, beasts and cattle have various colours. It is those who are endowed with knowledge that stand truly in awe of God. Indeed God is Almighty, Much-Forgiving.” This is a remarkable touch confirming the source of the Qur’an. It looks at the entire world with a special focus on colour, pointing out its great variety in fruits, mountains, people, animals and cattle. It only takes a few words to group together animate and inanimate objects throughout the Earth, leaving us in full amazement at this wonderful exhibition.

http://newageislam.com/the-friday-sermon--colour-in-all-creation/islamic-ideology/d/460